Anybody have an issue with running an external (talentcell) battery to the point of the battery dying and the r-44 powering off, then not being able to use any fully charged external battery after that? I've seen a few issues in prior threads about external power not working on the 44's but I'm just curious if I can use aa's to go in and see if a setting changed due to the talentcell dying or if I should start shopping for rechargable aa's.

You are correct, that could be a step saving option if the quality is good. I forgot that there is a 1/8th headphone output on the back panel. Good catch!

Yes!I even have a cable that will do that job!The headphone out has a volume knob and a button for stereo and mono, so you have to be careful not to run mono. Tapping the mics will let you know right away. I did some sample taping and found that there is very little difference (to my ear) between going through the digital stage in the microtrack II and the headphone out, but the microtrack gave me more confidence, even though it ALWAYS makes me reset the sampling rate and restart to lock in a signal.

Well, for anyone else looking; apparently these are used mostly to power guitar petals pedals (not the flower kind) and keyboards. Truetone makes the right power cable. I just grabbed one from a local guitar shop.

Sorry to bump such and old thread. I owned an R-44 9 or 10 years ago and had to sell it (had kids and gave up taping for a bit). I just re-purchased a used unit to get back in the game (was my favorite recorder I had owned back then - so easy to use I had to buy another). Anyways, I noticed when I turn mine on it says Martel on the boot splash screen vs EdirolR-44. I did the latest firmware update and now have the latest firmware. Only thing is it obviously did not change the bootloader version. Does anyone know if this can be updated? If so is there any benefit in me updating or pursuing an update? I have the latest 1.21 FW but my boot and load version are still at 1.00

Hello, I need a multitrack recorder with SPDIF in to record chamber music concerts. Now I'm trying the Tascam DR680 MKII but I don't like his sound, so I thinking to return the Tascam and buy an used Edirol R44.Is the Edirol R44 a good recorder? I cannot find on Internet recordings made with this device.

Hello, I need a multitrack recorder with SPDIF in to record chamber music concerts. Now I'm trying the Tascam DR680 MKII but I don't like his sound, so I thinking to return the Tascam and buy an used Edirol R44.Is the Edirol R44 a good recorder? I cannot find on Internet recordings made with this device.